Thiruvananthapuram, June 8: Kerala health authorities have intensified surveillance and preventive measures across the state following the death of a four-year-old girl due to Shigella infection and the detection of fresh cases among children in Wayanad district.
The deceased child, identified as Nila from Kozhikode district, succumbed to the bacterial infection, while two other children were confirmed to have contracted the disease. A 10-year-old child who was undergoing treatment has been discharged from the hospital, while a two-year-old child remains under medical observation and is reported to be in stable condition.
Health officials have issued precautionary advisories to individuals who came into contact with the affected children to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious infection.
Shigella, also known as shigellosis, is a bacterial disease that affects the digestive system, particularly the intestines. It spreads mainly through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene practices, often causing diarrhoea and gastrointestinal complications. Children are considered particularly vulnerable to the infection.
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Tuesday to assess the situation and review containment measures. Speaking in Thrissur, the minister said 25 students are currently admitted to Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital, though none are in serious condition.
A medical team from Kozhikode has been deployed to Wayanad to assist local health authorities in managing the situation. Several students are also undergoing treatment in private hospitals, while health officials continue to monitor those who have already been discharged.
“Currently, there is no cause for panic, but caution is necessary. Instructions have been issued to the Food Safety Department to conduct inspections across the state,” the minister said.
Muraleedharan noted that the disease spreads primarily through contaminated water and unhygienic conditions. He said medical officers across all districts have been directed to closely monitor the situation, identify symptomatic individuals, and ensure adequate availability of medicines.
Apart from Wayanad and Kozhikode, Shigella cases have also been reported from Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts, prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance statewide.
Earlier in the day, the Wayanad District Collector and District Medical Officer held a review meeting to coordinate preventive measures and assess the current situation. The state government has also instructed the Food Safety Department to carry out strict inspections of restaurants and food establishments as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan urged the government to act on a war footing to prevent the spread of the infection. In a statement, he called for enhanced vigilance, improved monitoring of drinking water quality, and intensified sanitation efforts across the state.
He also stressed the need for coordinated action between the Health Department and local self-government institutions and appealed to the public to cooperate fully with preventive measures undertaken by authorities.
Health officials maintain that the situation remains under control but have urged citizens to follow hygiene protocols, consume safe drinking water, and seek medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, fever, or stomach cramps develop.
